Page 42 of Always Mine

You’re playing with fire, Kitten. I don’t share. But don’t think I won’t find a way to fill all your holes and tease you to the brink of no return while you beg for mercy—with a mouth full of my cock.

Kitten:

I’m sensing a serious case of blue-balls rage here.

Me:

I plead the fifth.

Kitten:

Stick with me, Daddy.

Me:

You’re not helping the situation.

Kitten:

The one in your pants or...

Kitten:

What are you doing today anyway?

I don’t get a chance to respond because I notice Chiara has returned and is now peering over to read my screen. I turn the screen black. A wicked smirk dances on her lips.

“Girlfriend?”

“It’s complicated.”

She lets out a derisive snort. “Standard with your type.”

“Mytype?

“Yeah. I know all about it. The too-sexy-with-too-much-swagger-for-your-own-good type,” she claps back, like she’s got me pegged.

“I’m not sure about that, but I’m positive your cousin is going to be pissed if we keep him waiting any longer.”

“He’ll live.”

“But we may not,” I snicker.

“Eh. I’ll handle him.”

I spot AJ as soon as we round the corner to the private booths off to the side reserved for VIPs. His expression is impassive, but I don’t miss the hard set of his jaw. Or the way he surreptitiously scans his surroundings for any imminent danger. The guy walks around on high alert like a trained assassin. No doubt a by-product of his family connections and the Rizzo shit he’s currently dealing with.

The next time he scans, his gaze lands on us. He stands to greet us, and Chiara bounds up to him, wrapping him in a warm hug, one he returns with an affectionate squeeze. The brief interaction momentarily softens his steely expression, but it’s back in place by the time we exchange a firm handshake. Chiara slides into the booth and AJ takes the seat next to her while I sit opposite.

The place is packed for a weekday. A mix of professionals from nearby businesses taking client meetings, groups of women enjoying a post-workout brunch and the work nomads on their laptops, noise-canceling headphones firmly in place.

“Looks like business is going well,” AJ observes nonchalantly, though it’s a far more pointed statement. I follow his effusive lead and respond without giving up any information about our mutually beneficial interests.

“Every time I stop by the tables are almost full. It’s got a good vibe. It’s a place to be seen, but without the pretentious pricks.”

He hums in approval, but his gaze is fixed on the gorgeous redhead with big, blue eyes and high cheekbones approaching.

“Hi, I’m Lilah. I’ll be your server this morning.” She’s professional and lists the daily specials off the top of her head like we expect of our staff, but I don’t miss the way her eyes roam over AJ with familiarity lingering behind them. He orders and flickshis eyes up to meet her eyes, but his facade remains unreadable. Interesting. I’ll table that for future discussion.